33

AUDREY
When I came down, Gabriel was lighting up lavender-scented candles on an amorous table set up with linen napkins and covers and flowers centerpiece at the dining. A piece of soft, beautiful music playing in the background.
“Very nice,” I commented to make known my presence. “And the song choice is beautiful. You and Me? I guess you listen to Mathew Barbers too.”
“Angel.” He flashed a radiant grin when he saw me. “Come here.” He reached out a hand to me, so I paced towards him and entwined my hands with his, then he brought me to his side. He lowered his head to mine. “The song suits us, I think.”
I placed my hand over his chest and sensed his warmth on my palms.
This was how it was supposed to feel, being treasured and appreciated. Despite the conversation earlier, Gabriel had never been anything but kind to me. I loved how gently his touch was, and the untainted feeling he was giving me like nothing else mattered but us. He trailed my spine with his hand and stopped at my lower back.
“It’s perfect.” He brushed his lips on his hair. “How do you like this arrangement?” he asked, referring to the table. There were two plates of a mouth-watering dish. It looked like scallops he prepared himself.
“It looks beautiful, Gabriel. Everything is.”
He grinned in satisfaction. “Come sit.” He kissed my head again then he pulled a chair to sit on. I settled on the romantic table set up by Gabriel Stark himself. He always had something to surprise me. I felt spoiled.
“In the yacht, you suggested wine. What about scallops?”
“Let's see what you’ve got.”
Scallops. I was right, after all, and what a choice! Scallops are often said to be an aphrodisiac.
The look in his eyes continuously possessed me and attracted me. A gleam passed through his pupils. I tore my gaze away from his hypnotic eyes and straightened my shoulders.
“Okay, um, there’s red brine here which is also a good accompaniment to this. You could be a chef, Mr. Stark, I give you that.” I smiled at him. “Therefore…”
“What about a tannic wine?” he suggested, shrugging.
Okay. He’s testing me. One can play that game.
I smiled confidently at him. “Nope, not that. It will ruin the flavor of scallops.” I forced myself to relax my shoulders and straighten my chin. “I would rather pick Larrivet Haut-Brion. Do you have this? It is an intense and subtle wine with a hint of vanilla. It will blend perfectly with this delicacy.”
Am I really chatting about wine and scallops with Gabriel Stark?
A small smile appeared on his beautiful face. Damn. I couldn’t seem to get enough of his young and dynamic features, a shadow of a beard on his jaw that made him much sexier and manly, and a fine haircut.
“And truffles. It would be just perfect.”
I stared up at his face, and he observed me carefully. “But don’t you think that a Chablis Premier Cru would be suitable?” he continued. “After all, honey and vanilla would also go perfectly with the sweetness of this delicacy that you mentioned.”
I was finally back into reality with his usual charming smile. I laughed and made a pleasant tone with it. Gabriel leaned back on his chair and let out a half-smile.
“But we’ll go with your choice. Wait for me here,” he announced.
He disappeared to the kitchen briefly, came back with a bottle of Larrviet Haut-Brion, and settled back to his seat.
“You seemed to know a great deal about wines,” I remarked.
He glanced up at me as he filled the two glasses. “I grew up in a vineyard like you, Audrey,” he suddenly professed, which was another surprise for me.
I placed the linen napkin on my lap and then picked up the utensils. “You did? Did you perhaps grow up in Long Island? I heard about the winery in the area.”
“No.”
“Niagara?”
He shook his head, looking at me. “Nope.”
“But didn’t you grow up here in New York?” I blinked. “Does your family own a vineyard too?”
“Everything about me that you’ll find online is only for public records. And no, my family was never in the wine business. I just know some stuff.” He winked at me and smirked.
I didn’t exactly understand what he meant, though I couldn’t get myself to ask for more. He was definitely a mystery. It was as if something was encouraging me to open up about myself. It was too early. I couldn’t tell the future ahead of me if I let him in.
However, I wouldn’t be able to commit to anything more if I didn’t try.
I watched Gabriel begin to eat, so I joined in. The scallops harmoniously danced in my mouth with a firm texture. They were buttery, sweet, and delicate.
A hum escaped my lips, shutting my eyes. I savored the taste, then ran my tongue on my lips. Gabriel Stark can really cook!
Then, I picked up the glass of wine and relished the smell before taking a sip. I opened my eyes again and saw Gabriel’s eyes narrowing at me.
“You didn’t just eat that, did you?” A ghost smile appeared on his lips.
“It’s delicious! You’re an even better cook than me,” I said frankly. “You’re oozing with talent, Mr. Stark. What else don't you have?” I teased.
“You. I still don’t have you,” he said as if it was so simple, then chewed a spoonful of his food.
I almost choked. “Aren’t I here?”
“Not in a way.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Not when you don’t fully let me take care of you. You’re still hesitant about me. I can sense it. What don’t you like about me, Audrey? You are more welcome to speak.”
“It’s not like that, Gabriel. To be honest, this is too much. What you’ve offered me and how much you’re willing to give to help seems surreal to me—like a dream. I’m afraid that I don’t want to wake up.”
Gabriel took my hand. “I’m real, Audrey. I'm just as real as you are,” he whispered.
“But it’s not about you,” I promised. “I have too many issues. I might not be able to redeem myself if I fail again.”
“You’re afraid,” he concluded, then nodded. Gabriel heaved a sigh and leaned back in his seat. “How can I make you trust me?”
“I trust you. It’s me that I don’t trust and that this is all temporary…”
“What if I tell you that I’m willing to give more?” He held my gaze.
I froze, momentarily dazed by his statement. I even forgot how to breathe, but millions of butterflies sent waves inside me.
Was he serious?
“Audrey?”
“Gabriel, I don’t know what to—” I stopped as I heard my phone ringing. I ignored it and let it stop, but it rang again. “I’m sorry.”
“Just take it,” Gabriel permitted, but there was a slight irritation marked in his eyes.
I grunted in annoyance. I drew out my phone and checked the screen. It was Charles.